Monarch Gives Royal Support To FIDA Enlightenment Campaign

King Okpiotari Diongoli, Opu-Okun IV, Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan has given his royal support to the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Bayelsa State chapter for their enlightenment campaigns in the clan.

King Okpiotari Diongoli gave his support when the Bayelsa State Branch of FIDA led by its Chairperson, Barrister (Mrs.) Dise Ogbise-Erhisere paid him a courtesy visit in his palace as part of their community enlightenment campaign progamme in Opokuma clan.

According to the Ibedaowei of Opokuma Clan, he is a champion of women’s rights noting that issues arising from Beijing conference are still fresh in his mind thus always ready to give his support to women.

He condemned harmful practices against women such as widowhood practices and genital mutilation as well as other forms of violence against women which in most cases are carried out by women themselves.

King Diongoli advised the FIDA members to be consistent in their campaign in order to break the mindset of the people because most of the violence perpetrated against women are cultural problems.

The Opokuma Monarch noted that violence against women comes in different forms even as the men are blamed, the women folk too must be blame noting that the women are the enforcers of these practices.

He asked what moral justification the women have to accuse the men when widowhood and other forms of harmful practices are promoted and enforced by women.

However, called on women to subtly advocate and enforce their right noting that women are strong being and employed them to use their God-given abilities and potentials to approach their husbands.

At the Abuwari Community Town hall, venue for the campaign, the royal father who spoke in Ijaw dialect to address his people on the need for such campaign and address social issues.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) has charged mothers, guidance and care-givers to proper care of female children.

Speaking at an enlightenment campaign inOpokuma Clan in Kololuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, the chairperson of FIDA, Bayelsa State Branch, Barrister (Mrs.) Dise Ogbise-Erhisere advised mothers to watch their female children very closely in order to reduce the menace of rape and other social vices against them.

Ogbise-Erhisere said FIDA is an international organization of female lawyers that seeks to protect rights of women and children in society while other FIDA members spoke on various issues from rape, women’s right and widowhood practices.

Barrister Ebi Okorodas spoke on the dangers of rape and penalties stipulated for offenders explaining that its negative impact on the girl-child society.

Okorodas, who spoke in Ijaw dialect during her lecture, raised the consciousness of the people to seek intervention whenever there is a reported case of rape adding that FIDA is ready to prosecute the case in court.

Also speaking on Widowhood Practices, Barrister Gbalipre Diobo created the awareness on the provisions of the Bayelsa State Widows and Widowers Protection law signed by Hon. Seriake Dickson in the state.

Barrister Diobo explained that the law protects widows from harmful practices explaining that women should protect their fellow women from these cultural practices that is detriment to their health.

Barrister Joan Ballard exposed the women to some of their legal rights as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and encouraged them to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.

She said every woman have the right to life, right to vote and voted for, therefore called on them to stand and take up elective positions.

In their separate vote of thanks, Barrister Soyo Daniel thanked the community members for turning up and leaving their farmland for the enlightenment campaign and presented books to the community members.

On her part, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs to His Royal Majesty, Lady Rhoda Wokoro who received the books on behalf of women thanked FIDA members for the enlightenment campaign on the various issues been addressed.

Lady Wokoro said it will help the rural people know their right and where to seek intervention when the need arises.